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Triumph Unveils Big Twin Cruiser . . . Thunderbird 1600

Triumph has shown dealers the all new Thunderbird cruiser displacing 1600cc and featuring a parallel-twin cylinder engine with six-speed gearbox and belt drive. We had predicted that this bike would be introduced last Fall. Triumph’s obvious aim is the large displacement cruiser market, but promises greater engine performance out of its parallel-twin design. Further details are not available at this point, but it is clear that Triumph has put some high quality brakes on the new Thunderbird (which is now essentially required by the category).

Triumph indicates the bike will not reach dealers until 2009, and will possibly be designated a 2010 model. Triumph promises additional details and specifications, but not until next year. This indicates that the new bike is still in testing, and final specifications have not been set.